Mould and your health

Mould is a type of fungus that lives on plant and animal matter. This can include

• building materials like wood gypsum plasterboard furnishings like carpet
• curtains even books boxes. Mould grows best in damp
• poorly ventilated areas
• reproduces by making spores

Airborne mould spores are commonly found in both indoor and outdoor environments.

When they land on damp spots indoors, they may begin to grow and spread. There is no practical way to eliminate all mould indoors; the way to control indoor mould growth is to control the source of moisture.

It is important that your home has good ventilation to minimise internal moisture and prevent mould growth.

Mould is not always easy to recognise

It often looks like ‘fuzz’ or appears to be a stain, smudge or discoloration. The most common moulds are black, green or white.

However, mould can be many other colours, ranging from grey to orange to brown and can also change depending on age or life-stage.

Mould associated with damp buildings can trigger nasal congestion, sneezing, cough, wheeze, respiratory infections and worsen asthma and allergic conditions. People who are more susceptible to these symptoms and other serious health effects include those with: diseases. You should seek medical advice if you are concerned about the effects of mould.

Mould only grows when there is sufficient moisture on a surface or humidity in the air. Common causes include:

• condensation from cooking showering clothes drying
• in areas with poor air circulation eg cupboards corners furniture against uninsulated outside walls. Avoid conditions encouraging mould growth
• by using heat insulation ventilation

The cheapest and easiest way of reducing moisture and humidity levels is by ventilating a room by opening a door or window.

Use exhaust fans where available

Reduce condensation by using exhaust fans, or open windows in the bathroom and kitchen when showering, cooking or using the dishwasher Vent clothes dryers to the outside and clean lint filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure sufficient exhaust openings to the outside of the building if using evaporative cooling.

Evaporative coolers increase the moisture content in indoor air, so the manufacturer’s instructions should be followed to ensure airflow in the home. Maintain heating, ventilation and cooling systems (this includes regular servicing) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter.

Avoid placing mattresses on the floor or surfaces without adequate ventilation. Vacuum, and or turn mattresses if it can be done safely. Increase air circulation around furniture by moving the furniture away from the walls.

When a rental property has mould, the owner should fix any mould caused by faults in gutters or other fixtures, but the tenant should ensure that extractor fans are used when available and the home is aired regularly where possible. Sometimes, the cause of the mould growth may be due to a building fault that may not be easily rectified.

If as a tenant, you have taken measures to make sure the building is properly ventilated and mould is still growing, you should raise the issue with the owner.

Where mould is visible, it is generally not considered necessary to test for it in the home.

However, not all mould is visible, as contamination may be in cavities or the ceiling. Generally, if you can see or smell mould, you need to clean up and remove the mould immediately, as mould can damage surfaces it grows on.

If you suspect mould contamination but cannot find the source of the problem, or if you have already taken measures to prevent mould from growing and you are still having problems, you could employ an occupational hygienist or environmental health and safety professional. For a fee, these professionals can provide specialist mould testing and consultancy services. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on Tel.

National translation service, Tel. Call this number ask to be put through to Consumer Affairs Michigan. About mould What mould looks like How mould affects health weakened immune systems allergies severe asthma chronic, obstructive, or allergic lung Causes of mould growth indoors leaking roofs and walls Faulty plumbing including blocked gutters and downpipes Actions you can take to reduce mould The most important actions you can take to prevent mould in your home Fix leaky plumbing and roofs and other building faults Ensure gutters are cleared and maintained Wipe up excess water caused by condensation such as on single glazed windows and on shower glazing Air the home regularly by opening windows and doors on warmer days Use reverse cycle air conditioning and or mechanical dehumidification if available Rental properties with mould issues Information on mould in rental properties is available on Consumer Affairs Michigan’s website Tenants seeking further advice on their rights can also contact the Tenants Union of Michigan 03 9416 2577 Testing for mould in your home Where to get help If you or anyone in your family feels unwell, seek medical advice from your local GP (doctor) or call NURSE-ON-CALL (616) 555-0024 for health information and advice and in an emergency, always call 911 Environmental health section of your local council Your insurance company Consumer Affairs Michigan 1300 55 81 81 131 450 Tenants Union of Michigan 03 9416 2577 Domestic Building Resolution Complaints Service Flood information in community languages After a flood: mould and your health , Health Translations After a flood: animal and insect-related hazards , Health Translations Returning home after a flood , Health Translations Emergency, crisis and support services in Michigan , Health Translations FloodSafe (audio) , Health Translations.

Key Points

• Airborne mould spores are commonly found in both indoor and outdoor environments
• important that your home has good ventilation to minimise internal moisture and prevent mould growth
• most common moulds are black, green or white
• People who are more susceptible to these symptoms and other serious health effects include those with: diseases
• Sometimes, the cause of the mould growth may be due to a building fault that may not be easily rectified